Apparatus, system and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure

ABSTRACT

An electrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having at least one shaft extending therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The shaft operatively supports an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members pivotably connected to each other and moveable from an open spaced apart position to a closed position to grasp tissue. An electrically conductive tissue sealing plate is operatively coupled to each of the jaw members. At least one of the jaw members has a serrated edge disposed thereon for selectively sectioning tissue upon rotation of the end effector assembly about the longitudinal axis. The electrically conductive tissue sealing plates are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. The electrosurgical apparatus operably communicates with a control system configured to regulate the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the electrically conductive tissue sealing plate on each of the jaw members.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The following disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and method forperforming an electrosurgical procedure and, more particularly, to anapparatus, system and method that utilizes energy to cut and/or sectiontissue.

2. Description of Related Art

It is well known in the art that electrosurgical generators are employedby surgeons in conjunction with electrosurgical instruments to perform avariety of electrosurgical surgical procedures (e.g., tonsillectomy,adenoidectomy, etc.). An electrosurgical generator generates andmodulates electrosurgical energy which, in turn, is applied to thetissue by an electrosurgical instrument. Electrosurgical instruments maybe either monopolar or bipolar and may be configured for open orendoscopic procedures.

Electrosurgical instruments may be implemented to ablate, seal,cauterize, coagulate, and/or desiccate tissue and, if needed, cut and/orsection tissue. Typically, cutting and/or sectioning tissue is performedwith a knife blade movable within a longitudinal slot located on orwithin one or more seal plates associated with one or more jaw membersconfigured to receive a knife blade, or portion thereof. Thelongitudinal slot is normally located on or within the seal plate withina treatment zone (e.g., seal and/or coagulation zone) associatedtherewith. Consequently, the knife blade cuts and/or sections throughthe seal and/or coagulation zone during longitudinal translation of theknife blade through the longitudinal slot. In some instances, it is notdesirable to cut through the zone of sealed or coagulated tissue, butrather to the left or right of the zone of sealed or coagulated tissuesuch as, for example, during a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomyprocedure.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrosurgicalapparatus includes a housing having at least one shaft extendingtherefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The shaftoperatively supports an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof.The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw memberspivotably connected to each other and moveable from an open spaced apartposition to a closed position to grasp tissue. An electricallyconductive tissue sealing plate is operatively coupled to each of thejaw members. At least one of the jaw members has a serrated edgedisposed thereon for selectively sectioning tissue upon rotation of theend effector assembly about the longitudinal axis. The electricallyconductive tissue sealing plates are adapted to connect to anelectrosurgical energy source. The electrosurgical apparatus operablycommunicates with a control system configured to regulate the deliveryof electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy tothe electrically conductive tissue sealing plate on each of the jawmembers.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anelectrosurgical apparatus includes a housing having at least one shaftextending therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. Theshaft operatively supports an end effector assembly at a distal endthereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw memberspivotably connected to each other and moveable from an open spaced apartposition to a closed position to grasp tissue. An electricallyconductive tissue sealing plate is operatively coupled to each of thejaw members. At least one of the jaw members has a serrated edgedisposed thereon for selectively sectioning tissue upon rotation of theend effector assembly about the longitudinal axis. The serrated edge iselectrically insulated from the electrically conductive seal plates andincludes a series of teeth disposed linearly along a periphery of atleast one of the first and second jaw members. The electricallyconductive tissue sealing plates are adapted to connect to an electricalsurgical energy source. The electrosurgical apparatus operablycommunicates with a control system configured to regulate the deliveryof electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy tothe electrically conductive tissue sealing plate on each of the jawmembers.

The present disclosure also provides a method for performing anelectrosurgical procedure. The method includes the initial step ofproviding an electrosurgical apparatus. The electrosurgical apparatusincludes a housing having at least one shaft extending therefrom thatdefines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The shaft operatively supportsan end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effectorassembly includes first and second jaw members pivotably connected toeach other and moveable from an open spaced apart position to a closedposition to grasp tissue. An electrically conductive tissue sealingplate is disposed on each of the jaw members. At least one of the jawmembers has a serrated edge disposed thereon for selectively sectioningtissue. The bipolar forceps operably communicates with a control systemconfigured to regulate the delivery of electrosurgical energy from thesource of electrosurgical energy to the electrically conductive tissuesealing plate on each of the jaw members. The method also includes thestep of delivering electrosurgical energy from the source ofelectrosurgical energy to each of the electrically conductive tissuesealing plates to achieve a desired tissue effect. The method alsoincludes the step of applying a rotational force to the end effectorassembly about the longitudinal axis such that the serrated edge engagesat least a portion of the effected tissue to facilitate selectiveseparation of at least a portion of the effected tissue from the rest ofthe effected tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelowwith references to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an electrosurgical apparatus andelectrosurgical generator according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 1B is an additional perspective view of the electrosurgicalapparatus and electrosurgical generator of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 1C;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of the system of FIGS.1A and 1B;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an electrical configuration forconnecting the electrosurgical apparatus to the electrosurgicalgenerator depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the electrosurgical apparatus depicted inFIGS. 1A and 1B in use; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for performing an electrosurgicalprocedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein;however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, bipolar forceps 10 is shown for usewith various electrosurgical procedures and generally includes a housing20, a handle assembly 30, a rotating assembly 80, a trigger assembly 70,a shaft 12, a drive rod 130 (shown in phantom), and an end effectorassembly 100 having jaw members 110, 120 that mutually cooperate tograsp, seal and divide large tubular vessels and large vascular tissues.Jaw members 110, 120 include spring-like cantilever arms 112 a, 112 b,respectively, at a distal end thereof. Cantilever arms 112 a, 112 bnormally bias jaw members 110, 120 in an open position wherein jawmembers 110, 120 are disposed in spaced relation relative to oneanother, as best shown in FIG. 1A. Although the majority of the figuredrawings depict a bipolar forceps 10 for use in connection withendoscopic surgical procedures, the present disclosure may be used formore traditional open surgical procedures.

Shaft 12 has a distal end 16 dimensioned to mechanically engage the endeffector assembly 100 and a proximal end 14 that mechanically engagesthe housing 20. In the drawings and in the descriptions which follow,the term “proximal,” as is traditional, will refer to the end of theforceps 10 which is closer to the user, while the term “distal” willrefer to the end which is farther from the user,

Drive rod 130 is slidably disposed in shaft 12. A proximal end of driverod 130 is operatively coupled to handle assembly 30 and a distal end ofdrive rod 130 is operatively coupled to end effector assembly 100. Morespecifically, cantilever arms 112 a and 112 b are anchored at a proximalend to a distal end of drive rod 130, as best shown in FIG. 1C.

The proximal end of drive rod 130 is operatively coupled to handleassembly 30 such that actuation of moveable handle 40 toward stationaryhandle 50 imparts proximal movement of drive rod 130, which, in turn,urges end effector assembly 100 proximally whereby the distal end 16 ofshaft 12 operates as a collet, engaging cantilever arms 112 a and 112 bto force jaw members 110, 120 to a clamped or closed position whereinjaw members 110, 120 cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, as bestshown in FIG. 1B. Movement of moveable handle 40 away from stationaryhandle 50 imparts distal movement of drive rod 130, which, in turn,urges end effector assembly 100 distally such that cantilever arms 112 aand 112 b disengage the distal end 16 of shaft 12 to allow movement ofjaw members 110, 120 to an open position wherein jaw members 110, 120are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, as best shownin FIG. 1A.

In other embodiments, actuation of moveable handle 40 toward stationaryhandle 50 may be configured to impart distal movement of drive rod 130and actuation of moveable handle away from stationary handle 50 may beconfigured to impart proximal movement of drive rod 50.

In embodiments, the proximal end 14 of shaft 12 is operatively coupledto handle assembly 30 to facilitate functionality substantially asdescribed above with respect to drive rod 130. More specifically,proximal and distal movement of shaft 12 relative to drive rod 130 maybe imparted via actuation of moveable handle 40 away from or towardstationary handle 50, respectively, or vice-versa. In this scenario,distal movement of shaft 12 causes the distal end 16 of shaft 12 toengage cantilever arms 11 2 a and 11 2 b to move jaw members 110, 120 toa clamped or closed position wherein jaw members 110, 120 cooperate tograsp tissue therebetween, as best shown in FIG. 1B Proximal movement ofshaft 12 causes the distal end 16 of shaft to disengage cantilever arms112 a and 112 b to allow movement of jaw members 110, 120 to an openposition wherein jaw members 110, 120 are disposed in spaced relationrelative to one another, as best shown in FIG. 1A.

Forceps 10 includes an electrosurgical cable 410 that connects theforceps 10 to a source of electrosurgical energy, e.g., generator 200,shown schematically in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, cable 410 isinternally divided into cable leads 410 a, 410 b and 425 b that aredesigned to transmit electrical potentials through their respective feedpaths through the forceps 10 to the end effector assembly 100.

For a more detailed description of handle assembly 30, movable handle40, rotating assembly 80, and electrosurgical cable 410 (includingline-feed configurations and/or connections) reference is made tocommonly owned Patent Publication No., 2003-0229344, filed on Feb. 20,2003, entitled VESSEL SEALER AND DIVIDER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THESAME.

As noted above, movable handle 40 of handle assembly 30 operativelycouples to a drive rod 130 which, together, mechanically cooperate toimpart movement of the jaw members 110 and 120 from an open positionwherein the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed in spaced relationrelative to one another, to a clamping or closed position wherein thejaw members 110 and 120 cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween.

Jaw members 110, 120 include an insulative jaw housing 117 andelectrically conductive seal plates 118, 128, respectively. Insulator117 is configured to securely engage the electrically conductive sealplates 118, 128. Seal plates 118, 128 may be manufactured from stampedsteel. This may be accomplished by stamping, by overmolding, byovermolding a stamped electrically conductive sealing plate and/or byovermolding a metal injection molded seal plate. All of thesemanufacturing techniques produce an electrode having a seal plate 118that is substantially surrounded by the insulating substrate.

One of the jaw members 110 includes a plurality of teeth or a serratededge 122 configured to facilitate secure grasping of tissue between jawmembers 110, 120 and, further, for separating or severing tissue, aswill be discussed in further detail below. Serrated edge 122 may be aseries of teeth 122 a disposed linearly about a periphery of either orboth jaw members 110, 120. Serrated edge 122 is configured such thatteeth 122 a of serrated edge 122 are disposed on a surface normal to aninner surface of a jaw member and protrude toward the opposing jawmember. As best shown in FIG. 1D, the teeth 122 a each include a pair ofbase sides 124 b that meet to form a pointed tip 124 b at am adjoiningapex. Either or both pointed tips 124 b and base sides 124 b of eachtooth 122 a may be suitably sharpened to facilitate separation oftissue.

Jaw members 110, 120 may include a protective shield (not explicitlyshown) disposed about an outer surface of serrated edge 122 to preventcontact between the outer surface of serrated edge 122 and an operator'shand. In this scenario, the inner surface of serrated edge 122 remainsexposed for facilitating grasping and/or separation of tissue. Aprotective shield for this purpose may be formed of a suitable materialsuch as, for example, a plastic material, a metal material having aninsulated surface, or the like. Serrated edge 122, as depicted in thefigures, is illustrative only in that either or both jaw members 110,120 may include one or more serrated edges to facilitate grasping and/orseparating of tissue.

To prevent short-circuiting from occurring between the serrated edge 122and the seal plate adjacent thereto (e.g., seal plate 118), serratededge 122 may be provided with an insulative material (not explicitlyshown) applied thereto. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, theportion of the serrated edge 122 that is adjacent to the seal plate maybe made from a non-conductive material.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an illustrative embodimentof an electrosurgical generator 200 (generator 200) is shown. Generator200 is operatively and selectively connected to bipolar forceps 10 forperforming an electrosurgical procedure. As noted above, anelectrosurgical procedure may include sealing, cutting, coagulating,desiccating, and fulgurating tissue all of which may employ RF energy.Generator 200 may be configured for monopolar and/or bipolar modes ofoperation. Generator 200 includes all necessary components, parts,and/or members needed for a control system 300 (system 300) to functionas intended. Generator 200 generates electrosurgical energy, which maybe RF (radio frequency), microwave, ultrasound, infrared, ultraviolet,laser, thermal energy or other electrosurgical energy. Anelectrosurgical module 220 generates RF energy and includes a powersupply 250 for generating energy and an output stage 252 which modulatesthe energy that is provided to the delivery device(s), such as an endeffector assembly 100, for delivery of the modulated energy to apatient. Power supply 250 may be a high voltage DC or AC power supplyfor producing electrosurgical current, where control signals generatedby the system 300 adjust parameters of the voltage and current output,such as magnitude and frequency. The output stage 252 may modulate theoutput energy (e.g., via a waveform generator) based on signalsgenerated by the system 300 to adjust waveform parameters, e.g.,waveform shape, pulse width, duty cycle, crest factor, and/or repetitionrate. System 300 may be coupled to the generator module 220 byconnections that may include wired and/or wireless connections forproviding the control signals to the generator module 220.

With reference to FIG. 2, system 300 is configured to, among otherthings, analyze parameters such as, for example, power, tissuetemperature, current, voltage, impedance, etc., such that a propertissue effect can be achieved. System 300 includes one or moreprocessors 302 in operative communication with a control module 304executable on the processor 302, and is configured to, among otherthings, quantify electrical and thermal parameters during tissuesectioning such that when a threshold value for electrical and thermalparameters is met, the control system 300 provides a signal to a user toapply a force to tissue. Control module 304 instructs one or moremodules (e.g., an output module 306) to transmit electrosurgical energy,which may be in the form of a wave or signal/pulse, via one or morecables (e.g., cable 410) to one or both of the seal plates 118, 128.Electrosurgical energy may be transmitted to each of the seal plates118, 128 simultaneously or consecutively.

One or both of the jaw members 110,120 may include one or more sensors316. Sensors 316 are placed at predetermined locations on, in, or alongsurfaces of the jaw members 110, 120. In embodiments, end effectorassembly 100 and/or jaw members 110 and 120 may have sensors 316 placednear a proximal end and/or near a distal end of jaw members 110 and 120,as well as along the length of jaw members 110 and 120.

The control module 304 processes information and/or signals (e.g.,tissue impedance and/or tissue temperature data from sensors 316) inputto the processor 302 and generates control signals for modulating theelectrosurgical energy in accordance with the input information and/orsignals. Information may include pre-surgical data (e.g., tissuetemperature threshold values) entered prior to the electrosurgicalprocedure or information entered and/or obtained during theelectrosurgical procedure through one or more modules (e.g., OM module306) and/or other suitable device(s). The information may includerequests, instructions, ideal mapping(s) (e.g., look-up-tables,continuous mappings, etc.), sensed information and/or mode selection.

The control module 304 regulates the generator 200 (e.g., the powersupply 250 and/or the output stage 252) which adjusts various parametersof the electrosurgical energy delivered to the patient (via one or bothof the seal plates) during the electrosurgical procedure. Parameters ofthe delivered electrosurgical energy that may be regulated includevoltage, current, resistance, intensity, power, frequency, amplitude,and/or waveform parameters, e.g., waveform shape, pulse width, dutycycle, crest factor, and/or repetition rate of the output and/oreffective energy.

The control module 304 includes software instructions executable by theprocessor 302 for processing algorithms and/or data received by sensors316, and for outputting control signals to the generator module 220and/or other modules. The software instructions may be stored in astorage medium such as a memory internal to the processor 302 and/or amemory accessible by the processor 302, such as an external memory,e.g., an external hard drive, floppy diskette, CD-ROM, etc.

The control module 304 regulates the electrosurgical energy in responseto feedback information, e.g., information related to tissue conditionat or proximate the surgical site. Processing of the feedbackinformation may include determining: changes in the feedbackinformation; rate of change of the feedback information; and/orrelativity of the feedback information to corresponding values sensedprior to starting the procedure (pre-surgical values) in accordance withthe mode, control variable(s) and ideal curve(s) selected. The controlmodule 304 then sends control signals to the generator module 220 suchas for regulating the power supply 250 and/or the output stage 252.

Regulation of certain parameters of the electrosurgical energy may bebased on a tissue response such as recognition that a proper seal isachieved and/or when a predetermined threshold temperature value isachieved. Recognition of the event may automatically switch thegenerator 200 to a different mode of operation (e.g., “stand by” mode or“RF output mode”) and subsequently switch the generator 200 back to anoriginal mode after the event has occurred. In embodiments, recognitionof the event may automatically switch the generator 200 to a differentmode of operation and subsequently shutoff the generator 200.

OM 306 (shown as two modules for illustrative purposes) may be digitaland/or analog circuitry that can receive instructions from and providestatus to a processor 302 (via, for example, a digital-to-analog oranalog-to-digital converter). OM 306 is also coupled to control module304 to receive one or more electrosurgical energy waves at a frequencyand amplitude specified by the processor 302, and/or transmit theelectrosurgical energy waves along the cable 410 to one or both of theseal plates 118, 128. OM 306 can also amplify, filter, and digitallysample return signals received by sensors 316 and transmitted alongcable 410.

A sensor module 308 senses electromagnetic, electrical, and/or physicalparameters or properties at the operating site and communicates with thecontrol module 304 and/or OM module 306 to regulate the outputelectrosurgical energy. The sensor module 308 may be configured tomeasure, i.e., “sense”, various electromagnetic, electrical, physical,and/or electromechanical conditions, such as at or proximate theoperating site, including: tissue impedance, tissue temperature, and soon. For example, sensors of the sensor module 308 may include sensors316, such as, for example, optical sensor(s), proximity sensor(s),pressure sensor(s), tissue moisture sensor(s), temperature sensor(s),and/or real-time and RMS current and voltage sensing systems. The sensormodule 308 measures one or more of these conditions continuously or inreal-time such that the control module 304 can continually modulate theelectrosurgical output in real-time.

In embodiments, sensors 316 may include a smart sensor assembly (e g., asmart sensor, smart circuit, computer, and/or feedback loop, etc. (notexplicitly shown)). For example, the smart sensor may include a feedbackloop which indicates when a tissue seal is complete based upon one ormore of the following parameters: tissue temperature, tissue impedanceat the seal, change in impedance of the tissue over time and/or changesin the power or current applied to the tissue over time. An audible orvisual feedback monitor may be employed to convey information to thesurgeon regarding the overall seal quality or the completion of aneffective tissue seal.

With reference now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, operation of bipolar forceps 10under the control of system 300 is now described. For illustrativepurposes, tissue division is described subsequent to the application ofelectrosurgical energy for achieving a desired tissue effect (e.g.,tissue sealing). Control module 304 instructs one or more modules (e.g.,an output module 306) to transmit electrosurgical energy, which may bein the form of a wave or signal/pulse, via one or more cables (e.g.,cable 410) to one or both of the seal plates 118, 128 simultaneously orconsecutively to effect a tissue seal.

Upon reaching a desired tissue seat result, control system 300 mayindicate (by way of an audio or visual feedback monitor or indicator,previously mentioned and described above) to a user that tissue is readyfor sectioning. A user may then rotate end effector assembly 100, asindicated by rotational arrow “R”, in a clock-wise and/or counterclock-wise direction to cause serrated edge 122 to separate the tissue.For effective separation of tissue, the direction of rotation of endeffector assembly 100 will depend on the positioning of the serratededge 122 along either jaw member 110, 120. Rotation of end effectorassembly 100 may be achieved via, for example, use of rotation assembly80 and/or movement of bipolar forceps 10 relative to the tissue toprovide tension thereto.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a user may then grasp tissue(for example, with a surgical implement or suitable forceps 400)adjacent to the operating site and outside the seal zone (FIG. 4A) andapply a pulling force “F” generally normal and along the same plane asthe sectioning line which facilitates the separation of tissue (FIG.4B). Application of the pulling force “F” separates the unwanted tissuefrom the operating site with minimal impact on the seal zone. Theremaining tissue at the operating site is effectively sealed and theseparated tissue may be easily discarded.

FIG. 5 shows a method 500 for performing an electrosurgical procedure.At step 502, an electrosurgical apparatus including a pair of jawmembers configured to grasp tissue therebetween and including one ormore serrated edges is provided. At step 504, electrosurgical energyfrom an electrosurgical generator is directed through tissue heldbetween the jaw members to effect a tissue seal. At step 506, arotational force is applied to the effected tissue site to facilitateseparation of the tissue.

In embodiments, a force is applied to tissue adjacent the effectedtissue site generally in a normal or transverse direction substantiallysimultaneously with or subsequent to step 508 to facilitate separationof the tissue.

In embodiments, step 506 may include the step of applying the rotationalforce substantially simultaneously with delivering electrosurgicalenergy from the source of electrosurgical energy to seal plates 118,128.

In embodiments, the step of applying a force may include the step ofapplying the force consecutively after audible or visible indication(e.g., a distinct audible tone, an illuminated LED on generator 200).

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of theclaims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrosurgical apparatus, comprising: ahousing having at least one shaft extending therefrom that defines alongitudinal axis therethrough, the shaft operatively supporting an endeffector assembly at a distal end thereof, the end effector assemblyincluding first and second jaw members pivotably connected to each otherand moveable from an open spaced apart position to a closed position tograsp tissue; and an electrically conductive tissue sealing plateoperatively coupled to each of the jaw members, only one of the jawmembers having a serrated edge disposed on only one edge thereof forselectively sectioning tissue upon rotation of the end effector assemblyabout the longitudinal axis, the electrically conductive tissue sealingplates adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source, whereinthe electrosurgical apparatus operably communicates with a controlsystem configured to regulate the delivery of electrosurgical energyfrom the source of electrosurgical energy to the electrically conductivetissue sealing plate on each of the jaw members, the control systemconfigured to generate a signal based on at least one tissue property,the signal configured to indicate to a user to apply a cutting force totissue.
 2. An electrosurgical apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe serrated edge includes a series of teeth disposed linearly along aperiphery of at least one of the first and second jaw members.
 3. Anelectro surgical apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of theteeth of the serrated edge includes a pair of base sides that meet toform a sharpened apex therebetween.
 4. An electrosurgical apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the serrated edge is electricallyinsulated from the tissue sealing plate on each of the jaw members. 5.An electrosurgical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the serratededge is at least partially made from a non-conductive material.
 6. Anelectrosurgical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: atleast one sensor disposed on the end effector assembly and in operativecommunication with the control system, the at least one sensorconfigured to sense at least one tissue property.
 7. An electrosurgicalapparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control system regulates thedelivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgicalenergy to the tissue sealing plates based on the at least one sensedtissue property.
 8. An electrosurgical apparatus according to claim 7,wherein the at least one sensed tissue property is one of tissueimpedance and tissue temperature.
 9. An electrosurgical apparatus,comprising: a housing having at least one shaft extending therefrom thatdefines a longitudinal axis therethrough, the shaft operativelysupporting an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof, the endeffector assembly including first and second jaw members pivotablyconnected to each other and moveable from an open spaced apart positionto a closed position to grasp tissue; and an electrically conductivetissue sealing plate operatively coupled to each of the jaw members, atleast one of the jaw members having a serrated edge disposed thereon forselectively sectioning tissue upon rotation of the end effector assemblyabout the longitudinal axis, the serrated edge being electricallyinsulated from the electrically conductive seal plates and including aseries of teeth disposed linearly along only one edge of only one of thefirst and second jaw members, the electrically conductive tissue sealingplates adapted to connect to an electrical surgical energy source,wherein the electrosurgical apparatus operably communicates with acontrol system configured to regulate the delivery of electrosurgicalenergy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the electricallyconductive tissue sealing plate on each of the jaw members, the controlsystem configured to generate a signal based on at least one tissueproperty, the signal configured to indicate to a user to apply a cuttingforce to tissue.
 10. A method for performing an electrosurgicalprocedure, the method comprising the steps of: providing anelectrosurgical apparatus, including: a housing having at least oneshaft extending therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough,the shaft operatively supporting an end effector assembly at a distalend thereof, the end effector assembly including first and second jawmembers pivotably connected to each other and moveable from an openspaced apart position to a closed position to grasp tissue; anelectrically conductive tissue sealing plate disposed on each of the jawmembers, at least one of the jaw members having a serrated edge disposedthereon for selectively sectioning tissue; and wherein theelectrosurgical apparatus operably communicates with a control systemconfigured to regulate the delivery of electrosurgical energy from thesource of electrosurgical energy to the electrically conductive tissuesealing plate on each of the jaw members; delivering electrosurgicalenergy from the source of electrosurgical energy to each of theelectrically conductive tissue sealing plates to achieve a desiredtissue effect; and applying a rotational force to the end effectorassembly about the longitudinal axis such that the serrated edge seversat least a portion of the effected tissue from the rest of the effectedtissue.
 11. A method for performing an el ectrosurgical procedureaccording to claim 10, further comprising the step of: providing tensionadjacent to at least a portion of the effected tissue to facilitateseparation of at least a portion of the effected tissue from the rest ofthe effected tissue.
 12. A method for performing an electrosurgicalprocedure according to claim 10, further comprising the step of:delivering electrosurgical energy to the electrically conductive tissuesealing plates simultaneously.
 13. A method for performing anelectrosurgical procedure according to claim 10, further comprising thestep of: delivering electrosurgical energy to the electricallyconductive tissue sealing plates consecutively.
 14. A method forperforming an el ectrosurgical procedure according to claim 10, whereinthe step of applying a rotational force includes applying the rotationalforce simultaneously with delivering electrosurgical energy from thesource of electrosurgical energy to the electrically conductive tissuesealing plates.
 15. A method for performing an electro surgicalprocedure according to claim 10, wherein the step of applying arotational force includes applying the rotational force subsequent to atleast one of an audible indication and a visible indication.
 16. Amethod for performing an electro surgical procedure according to claim10, further comprising the steps of: quantifying at least one of anelectrical parameter and a thermal parameter during tissue sectioning;and providing a signal to a user to apply a force to tissue based on theat least one quantified parameter.
 17. A method for performing anelectrosurgical procedure according to claim 10, further comprising thesteps of: sensing at least one tissue property; and regulating thedelivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgicalenergy to the electrically conductive tissue sealing plates based on theat least one sensed tissue property.